Kelly Wearstler On Curiosity, Inspiration, And What She Can't Live Without

The designer and style icon Kelly Wearstler sits down with EyeSwoon's Athena Calderone to talk all things design, family, and of course: brass and marble

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Kelly Wearstler Q&A

Athena Calderone of EyeSwoon is sharing her exclusive Q&A with Kelly Wearstler with us. Thanks, Athena! And don't forget to visit EyeSwoon for more stunning interiors and great tips.

This swooner was recently swooned to the max, by the queen of design chic: the one and only Kelly Wearstler. Getting an invitation into the impeccably appointed and layered home of this awe-inspiring woman was humbling, exciting, and downright FUN.

It was an eye-swooning version of a child's Christmas morning. As my eyes fell upon design details in every corner, I experienced delicious visual overload—and yet I wanted more.

Kelly introduced me to her line of home and bar accessories, an extension of her overall aesthetic and brand, with a refined palette of black, white, brass, and marble, with gemstone details and a touch of playful whimsy. She has made basic, often mundane bar essentials into something entirely artful. From Kelly's green marble-clad home bar, we created Cointreau's refreshing classic lime rickey cocktail—and she shared the inspiration behind some of her favorite bar pieces.

I love to understand other people's creative processes, and what unexpected sparks lead to their finished product. As we created the refreshing summer cocktail of cucumbers and mint I asked about 200 questions, all of which Kelly graciously answered for me (and you!).

Kelly's design mission: to make a space clever and beautiful without sacrificing functionality. "Chic bar accessories make entertaining in style effortless." For example, "adding a bejeweled bottle openerto the setup instantly elevates any spread." The Liaison Collection, which includes objects adorned with bronze lips, are a favorite. "Everyone needs a kiss!" she says. Kelly and I are both inspired by artists who transform everyday objects into works of art and I'd argue she is one of those artists!

Kelly's multitasking mastery ranges from hotel renovation to furniture design, jewelryand home accessories, all in a single day's work. Talking design and style with her, and hearing about work in her office, where a cross-pollination of design disciplines are born—architecture informs jewelry design, a metal patina or vintage pendant spawns furniture hardware—I was inspired all over again.

Once comfortably down the rabbit hole of design, we realized we share another uniting factor: being grounded by family. We transitioned seamlessly into the joys of being mamas to fun-loving surfing boys. Kelly had me contemplating the call to all things California, with her invitation back to her Malibu abode with my boy. YES PLEASE!

with something masculine, the juxtaposition of opposites and taking risks.

ES: How does architecture & design play a role in your accessories and jewelry line? Does it all interconnect - spawning new inspiration in different areas? cross pollinating & borrowing from one another? Can you perhaps give an example of this?

KW: Absolutely. The cross-pollination that happens at the studio is one of the most inspiring aspects of my job! We have so many different disciplines under one roof. I often go from designing on a new hotel straight to choosing metal patinas for a piece of jewelry or hand

painting designs for a new fabric line. I am a master multitasker. Probably from my years of waiting tables! There have been times I have been in a furniture meeting designing a table and said, this technique would make a fantastic piece of jewelry. The perforated metal design (signature to the brand) started with furnishings and made its way to rings and cuffs. A piece of jewelry might become a fixture on a drawer or piece of furniture… All the disciplines fuel one

KW: I love the elevated barware. Bejeweled bottle stops or bottle openers are my go to hostess gift. It is such an easy way to elevate a spread. The liaison collection is also a favorite. Everyone needs a kiss.

ES: A coffee table book anyone who loves design should own?

KW: So many! Its tough for me to choose a favorite. I collect vintage and contemporary titles. My library at home has over 2,000 books. The Well Lived Life is beautifully put together…

ES: Entertaining tips or tricks?

KW: I like to have as much as possible prepared in advance so the day of the event runs as smoothly as possible. It eliminates stress and last minute guess work! That could mean planning a signature cocktail ahead of time that can be whipped up easily. I like to make fun

cocktail ice cubes the night before - put mint leaves or berries into a tray. It adds a special touch to cocktails.

ES: Always stocked in your fridge (bar?)

KW: An organic soda or sparkling water for the boys. In the summer, a nice rose is always lovely. Fresh fruit and produce from the farmers market. Local ingredients make all the difference. The flavor is just incredible.

KW: I am often asked if I have a favorite project and it is truly impossible to choose. Each project has such a distinctive voice. My clients are so dynamic, informed and creative… I will say the projects where the clients are the most involved always turn out to be the most rewarding. Viceroy Anguilla stands out because of the sheer scope of the project. It was a 35-acre property with 166 rooms, suites, private villas and residences. It took over 5 years to complete.

KW: Museums, my children, travel…inspiration is everywhere. I carry my camera and sketchbook with me everywhere, I am constantly documenting inspiration on the go...I am such a curious gal. My son's surf camp was a huge source of inspiration for my summer collection.

That soulful California vibe, the numbers and lingo. Even down to the naming the collection, the lingo is entrenched in Malibu surf culture.

ES: Marble and brass play a significant role in your world – what is it about these materials that make you swoon?

KW: Marble and brass have such a great weight to them and a natural richness. I like to incorporate natural elements into a space as much as possible. Not only are they elegant, timeless and classic, there is a soulfulness to stone and metal. Metal always adds a kick of rock 'n roll. Marble is chic and sophisticated. The two together achieve that high/low raw and refined vibe that is very much my aesthetic.

ES: Who or what played the most significant role is molding & guiding your sense of design and point of view?

KW: Art history has played the most significant role in molding & guiding my sense of design and point of view. The experimentation and emotional expressiveness of art. I want my designs

to tell a story through color, scale and texture. My curiosity has been a driving force of my process. I always want to be learning new things, discovering. It's important to stay hungry. Taking risks is the only way to grow.

ES: How would describe the synergy you yearn to create in a space you have designed?

KW: There has to be a balance of elements in the spaces I design. Striking the right alchemy is where the magic happens. I love color and my aesthetic as a designer is about taking risks. I want to create a sense of adventure in my interiors. The juxtaposition of new and old, masculine and feminine, raw and refined - the tension of opposites I find to be very sexy. It adds a certain drama and vibrancy to a space.

PLUS! Head to EyeSwoon for more on Athena and Kelly's char (and a delicious recipe!)